Student Government
Student government provides a forum for discussing and resolving student concerns, initiating recognition of new student organizations, and conducting reviews of student organizations. Student government functions at two levels: (1) the University and (2) the College. The following is a brief description of how student government functions at both levels.

University Level
All students at each campus are represented through a campus-wide Student Senate. Each Student Senate is composed of 15 members. Four members represent each college within the campus. The remaining 3 members are the Speaker of the Student Senate, Vice Speaker, and the Secretary. Meeting every other month, the Student Senate provides a mechanism for governance of campus-wide activities and functions. It also provides a vehicle for the exchange of ideas and perceptions concerning student issues that cross college lines. The Student Senate is required to develop and publish bylaws that describe: (1) the name o f the senate; (2) purpose; (3) objectives of the senate; (4) operation and relationship with the College Student Councils; (5) membership and procedures for the election of officers/liaisons and their terms of office; (6) duties of senate members; (7) meeting schedules; (8) parliamentary procedure selected; (9) procedure considerations (quorums, role of individual class officers, etc.); and (10) adoption and amendment procedures.

College Level
Individual college student councils function to provide governance for student issues related to the individual colleges, as well as conducting all class and college-wide elections. Adoption of bylaws governing the individual college student councils is at the discretion of the elected/appointed officers of these councils. College student councils are encouraged to adopt bylaws that are consistent with the bylaws of the other college student councils. Individual college student councils are required to develop and publish bylaws that describe: (1) the name of the student council; (2) purpose; (3) objectives of the council; (4) operation and relationship with other college student councils; (5) membership and procedures for the election of officers/representatives and their terms of offices; (6) duties of student council members; (7) meeting schedules; (8) parliamentary procedure selected; (9) procedure considerations (quorums, role of individual class officers, etc); and (10) adoption and amendment procedures.

Recreational Activities
Committed to the osteopathic concept of "wellness," Midwestern University encourages students to utilize the recreation/fitness facilities located on campus. On the Glendale Campus, these facilities include a weight room, sand volleyball court, an outdoor basketball court, a ping-pong table, and, for resident students, a swimming pool and onsite volleyball area. Students are eligible for a discounted membership at LA Fitness, which is located near the campus and provides aerobic exercise classes and equipment, racquetball and basketball courts, a swimming pool and sauna, and a variety of weight machines and programs. Additionally, students may participate in numerous activities sponsored by the University, including volleyball, soccer, basketball, ping-pong tournaments, softball competitions, and group activities such as martial arts training, yoga, running, and hiking.

Student Organizations
The following student organizations are recognized by the appropriate Student Senate, respective Student Councils, and the Dean for Student Services and have been approved by the Dean of the respective College. Students interested in obtaining more information about any of these organizations or having any questions concerning how to apply for membership, should contact the president(s) of the respective organization(s). A list of the officers is available from the Office of Student Services.

Student Organizations: Midwestern University
Alternatives/Rainbow Network
The Alternatives/Rainbow Network organization is designed to promote awareness and understanding of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual allies issues to the University. The Alternatives/Rainbow Network organization will also strive to educate the University of health care issues related to the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community.

Family Matters Club
This club provides an opportunity for friendship and personal enrichment for student spouses, families and significant others. The club provides insights to incoming students during orientation about the trials and tribulations medical school has on students, their families and their signifanct others. The club also provides information on housing, transportation, and other issues that relate to family matters.

Latter-day Saints Student Association (LDSSA)
The Latter-day Saint Student Association is an approved program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that seeks to meet needs of individual college campus students. Membership is open to all students regardless of race, color, or creed who desire to belong to this association and are willing to maintain church standards.

Midwestern University International Student Health Association (MISHA)
This group is open to all students across campus. MISHA promotes international diversity in relation to healthcare issues that are seen worldwide. MISHA also celebrates the cultural diversity of its members with various educational and social events.  

Residence Hall Association (RHA)
This organization was established to foster recognition of on-campus students' rights; to facilitate communication between campus residents and campus administrators; to provide for the educational, social, cultural, and representational benefits of the individual; and to establish and execute policies for the advancement of MWU housing facilities.

Sports Medicine Club
The Sports Medicine Club offers students with an interest in athletics and medicine to combine these activities in the rapidly developing area of sports medicine. Students can be updated on the latest medical approaches in this field by attending guest lectures. Students also have the opportunity to utilize this information in shadowing a collegiate athletic physician or by performing athletic physicals. Sporting events are offered throughout the year to raise club funds and test students' athletic abilities.

Student Organizations: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
American College of Osteopathic Family Practitioners (ACOFP)
ACOFP is the largest college of the American Osteopathic Association and continually strives to improve the standards and training of family medicine physicians. The AZCOM chapter of ACOFP encourages interest in family medicine by providing lectures, primary care information, and paid externships for its members. All osteopathic medical students are encouraged to join (formerly ACGP).

American Medical Women's Association/National Osteopathic Women Physicians Association (AMWA/NOWPA)
AMWA/NOWPA is a national organization of female osteopathic physicians. The goal of AMWA/NOWPA is to provide the common link to achieving personal and professional goals, primarily using networking with role models. Members have the opportunity to meet and talk with female medical students, interns, residents, and attendings. Monthly meetings for first- and second-year students are held on campus, and bimonthly meetings for the general membership on special topics are held off campus. All women are urged to join in order to represent and address the needs of female osteopathic physicians. Male osteopathic physicians and medical students are always welcome at meetings and as members.

Christian Medical and Dental Society (CMDS)
CMDS is an interdenominational group of Christian students and faculty brought together for the purpose of encouraging spiritual growth. CMDS provides the opportunity for both small and large group participation. Bible or topical study meet once every other week and fellowships meet once per month. Various other activities are planned throughout the year with special emphasis given to serving the underserved in practical ways.

Emergency Medicine Club
This club was formed to stimulate student interest in the field of Emergency Medicine. The Club's activities include advanced first aid certification, an introduction to advanced cardiac life support, an ambulance ride-along program, and guest lecturers from the field of Emergency Medicine.

Integrative Medicine Club
The purpose of the Integrative Medicine Club is to enhance the medical education of students by introducing them to complementary modalities used in the art of medicine. Awareness is made of alternatives to osteopathic medicine that may be incorporated into treatment. This awareness is intended to improve the physician's ability to appropriately counsel patients should they inquire about other forms of treatment.  

Medical Spanish Club
This club promotes healthcare education and participates in health fairs for the under-served hispanic community in the Phoenix metropolitan area. They also provide continuing spanish language and cultural education for its members and other students on campus.

Pediatric Medicine Club
This is a club designed to promote awareness and understanding of pediatric medicine within the university community. The purpose of this organization is to eduate others on the role of physicans and physician assistants in the care of children, increase AZCOM and CHS students' comfort level during their interactions with the pediatric population, sponsor speakers and activities that provide opportunities for members to meet and connect with the pediatric population, and to promote discussion and learning of health-related issues relevant to the pediatric community.

Student Internal Medicine Club
It is the purpose of the Internal Medicine ClubÐArizona College of Osteopathic Medicine to represent aspiring osteopathic internists. This is accomplished through the following activities:

1. Providing osteopathic medical students with an early exposure to the field of internal medicine;
2. Stressing the understanding of osteopathic principles in relationship to disease in the practice of internal medicine and all of its subspecialities;
3. Affiliation with the American College of Osteopathic Internists to establish and maintain the highest educational, moral, and ethical standards in the teaching and practice of internal medicine;
4. Serving as a liaison with the AOA, ACOI, and SOIMA for the provision of information and career opportunities in internal medicine to osteopathic students;
5. Keeping the members informed of the latest developments in the field of internal medicine.

Student Association of the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians (SAACOP)
SAACOP fosters and stimulates improvement in all aspects of the health and well-being of children. SAACOP also strives to provide quality education for those interested in pediatric medicine; to maintain and promote the highest possible standards in pediatric care, the dignity of the ACOP and the osteopathic professions; and to cooperate with other organizations having similar goals.

Student National Medical Association (SNMA)
SNMA is the nation's oldest and largest student organization focused on the needs and concerns of medical students of color. SNMA programs are designed to serve the health needs of the under-represented and under-served communities; to educate people about important health matters; to assure that medical education and services are culturally sensitive to the needs of diverse populations; and to assist under-represented students in enrolling in and successfully completing their studies in medical school. The SNMA also promotes cultural diversity and awareness on-campus through its annual cultural night.

Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA)
SOMA strives both to improve the quality of the health care delivery system for all people and to contribute to the welfare and education of osteopathic medical students. It also seeks to familiarize its members with the purposes and ideals of osteopathic medicine and attempts to establish lines of communication with other health science students and organizations. Concurrently, SOMA prepares its members to meet the social, moral, and ethical obligations of the osteopathic profession.

Student Osteopathic Surgery Association (SOSA)
SOSA is a national organization affiliated with the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS). The purpose of SOSA is to represent and educate the future osteopathic surgeon. Through its local chapters, SOSA both stresses understanding of osteopathic principles in relationship to disease in the practice of surgery and provides a forum for discussion among students and surgeons. Additionally, SOSA promotes education in the field of surgery, including gowning and gloving, scrubbing, sterile techniques, suturing and tying techniques, operating room behavior, instrumentation, universal precautions, osteopathic manipulative management of the surgical patient, pre- and postoperative management of surgical patients, and surgical documentation.

Undergraduate American Academy of Osteopathy (UAAO)
UAAO is the collegiate arm of the American Academy of Osteopathy. The purpose of the UAAO is to develop the art and science of osteopathic medicine. Monthly meetings are held at which students join members of the faculty and guest lecturers in exploring the principles and practices of osteopathic medicine.

Student Organizations: College of Pharmacy–Glendale
Academy of Students of Pharmacy (APhA/ASP)
ASP is the student branch of America's largest and oldest association of pharmacists, the American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA). The only organization to represent all practice settings, APhA has more than 10,000 student members attending the schools and colleges of pharmacy across the country. Within APhA, ASP has its own standing committee on education programs, publications, awards, and policy. Each member of ASP also receives the full benefits of membership in APhA and, through periodic publications and meetings, can keep up-to-date on the developments and events that affect the practice of pharmacy. At the local level, student members can participate in service projects that benefit both the college and the community, as well as social activities that foster school spirit. Any pharmacy student can be a member of ASP and still be eligible for participation in any other campus organization.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) is the national professional organization that represents more than 30,000 members who serve patients in organized health care settings. Health-system pharmacists are defined as those who practice in hospitals, health maintenance organizations, long-term care facilities, home health care, clinics, research, and managed/ambulatory care. Over 5,000 students are members of the ASHP Pharmacy Student Forum. Members receive career information, resources, residency information and matching, Studentline (the Forum's quarterly newsletter), discounts on books and supplies, opportunities to be involved in councils and committees at the national level, and the ever-important networking.

National Community Pharmacist Association (NCPA)
The NCPA serves the pharmacist owners, managers, and employees of 25,000 independent pharmacies across the country. This organization provides important announcements, resources and news concerning the student who is interested in independent pharmacy practice.

Student Organizations: College of Health Sciences: Physician Assistant Program
American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
The AAPA was chartered in 1968 as the national organization representing physician assistants. The Academy provides a variety of services to its members and functions to promote the interests of the profession by providing representatives to other medical associations, state governments, the Federal government, and the public at large. The AAPA is dedicated to improving the availability and quality of health care in the United States through its constituent members. Students are encouraged to join the AAPA. Applications for membership in AAPA are available in the PA Program Office. Additional information concerning the services and activities of the AAPA can be obtained by contacting the AAPA national office: American Academy of Physician Assistants, 950 North Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; Telephone: 703/836-2272.

CHS/AAPA Student Association
The Student Association of Midwestern PA students (SAMPAS) within the Physician Assistant Program of the College of Health Sciences. This society is a chartered chapter of the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (SAAAPA). Further information is available from the PA Program Director.

Rural Medicine Club
The Rural Medicine Club is designed to promote issues and health care concerns affecting the people of a rural community. Opportunities are provided to visit rural sites, attend conferences, and attend lectures by speakers.

The Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants (ASAPA)
The ASAPA is a state organization and constituent chapter of AAPA for graduate physician assistants in Arizona. Activities include public relations and liaisons with the state government. Further information is available upon request from the PA Program Director and from the ASAPA: Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants, 810 West Bethany Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013; Telephone: 602/246-8901.

Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants (SEMPA)
SEMPA has been established on campus to enhance and explore the role of the Physician Assistant in the field of emergency medicine. Activities include, but are not limited to, guest lectures, introduction to advanced life support, and orientation to various aspects in the field of emergency medicine. Further information can be received from the PA Program Director.

Student Organizations: College of Health Sciences: Occupational Therapy Program
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
The AOTA is a national professional organization representing over 55,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapy students throughout the United States. Students are eligible and are encouraged to join AOTA. Applications for membership in the AOTA are available in the Occupational Therapy Program Office. Additional information concerning the services and activities of the AOTA can be obtained by contacting the Occupational Therapy Program Fieldwork Coordinator and/or the AOTA national office: American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc., 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220; Telephone: 301/652-2682.

American Student Committee of the Occupational Therapy Association (ASCOTA)
The American Student Committee of the Occupational Therapy Association provides a mechanism for the expression of student concerns and offers a means whereby students can have effective input into the affairs of AOTA. Additional information concerning the services and activities of the ASCOTA can be obtained by contacting the Occupational Therapy Program Student Liaison/Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and/or the AOTA national office.